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There's nothing quite like a holiday in the sunshine, sipping on a cocktail on a beach or poolside, not having to fret about the cold, brisk weather that we often get in the UK. (Sometimes it seems the sun doesn't even get the memo when it's supposed to be summer).

If you're a sunseeker who wants to bask in balmy temperatures, then do not despair; there are heaps of destinations throughout the year with warm and sunny weather. For winter and spring your best bet is to go further afield, while come summer European countries come into their own (no wonder they're so popular for school holidays). As the year creeps into autumn, there are still plenty of destinations where you can find hot and sunny destinations that don't require a long-haul flight either.

To give you a helping hand, we've put together a guide for every month of the year - get ready to be inspired for your next break!

Dubai, UAE: With temperatures ranging from 24C to 15C in January, it's an ideal time to visit Dubai before temperatures begin to soar and it becomes too hot for some. Highlights include the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, the huge Dubai Mall filled with hundreds of shops, not to mention the city boasts some beautiful beaches.

Mexico: The winter months are some of the best times to visit Mexico with temperatures averaging around 29C and conditions staying dry and sunny. Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas all boast some postcard-worthy beaches, brilliant nightlife and a plethora of hotels including plenty of all-inclusive options.

Caribbean islands: The Caribbean's monsoon season runs from June to November, so a visit to any of the islands in January gives you the best chance for hot and sunny weather. Barbados, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are just some of the beautiful spots with those white sand beaches, lush green backdrops and plenty of adventures to be had.

Cape Verde: The island nation boasts temperatures between 21-27C in February, with an average of seven to eight hours of sunshine every day. It's warm enough to make the most of its brilliant beaches, not to mention the sea is often calm enough to enjoy water sports like windsurfing.

Thailand: If you've always wanted to tick Thailand off the bucket list, February can be a great month to do so given the temperatures of 24-33C, minimal rain and heaps of sunshine. It makes for ideal conditions whether you're looking to make the most of the beaches in Phuket, do some island hopping or explore the culture and history of hotspots including Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Costa Rica: Intrepid explorers should bookmark Costa Rica for February. You'll miss the peak winter sun crowds but still get in before the rainy season kicks off in April, meaning ample opportunity to explore the rainforest, hike volcanoes or laze on one of the country's many, many golden beaches. February is also one of the best times to head to Monteverde and its famous cloud forest!

Morocco: Prefer a city break to a beach holiday? Head to Morocco to discover the likes of Agadir and Marrakech, both of which enjoy balmy temperatures of around 21C in February. It's ideal weather if you want to wander around the markets and restaurants without getting too hot - and if there is a hike in temperature, there are plenty of hotels and riads with pools which invite you to cool off!

Egypt: The beaches of Sharm-el-Sheikh are calling if you want to make the most of the resort's 27C weather and crystal-clear, swim-friendly waters. Meanwhile if you've always wanted to explore the temples and tombs of Ancient Egypt, you might want to consider a trip to Hurghada where temperatures average 26C and there are beautiful beaches, with easy day trips to nearby Luxor which is home to the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple.

USA: States including Nevada, Arizona and Florida all have hot and sunny weather in April, and you'd be unlucky to experience rainfall. Vegas is obviously where to head for epic nightlife, but if you're looking for a road trip to remember you may want to consider driving across to Arizona where you'll find breathtaking landscapes, cowboy towns and a slower pace of life. Florida starts to get a little busier but if you're eyeing up Walt Disney World and Universal theme parks, then visit during the earlier part of the month to avoid the crowds.

South Africa: Cape Town boasts pleasant weather for sightseeing at around 24C. There is plenty to see, from climbing to the top of Table Mountain (there is a cable car if you don't fancy the hike), to the iconic Boulder's Beach and its penguin colonies.

European hotspots: If you're eyeing up a short break before the school holidays properly kick off, it's worth considering some European destinations too; Portugal, Spain and Greece all start to get warm up with average temperatures around 20-25C.

Peru: Peru's dry season starts in May, while the 19-22C weather makes it bearable if you want to have a go at hiking the likes of the Andes or Machu Picchu, or fancy a trek in the Amazon jungle. Just be warned, this can be one of the most popular months for visiting, so book early if you have specific tours or deals in mind!

We've grouped the peak holiday months together because if you're after sunshine, you don't need to head to far-flung destinations. European hotspots including Portugal, Spain, Greece, France, Turkey, Canary Islands, Greek Islands, Malta, Italy and Cyprus all boast temperatures of the high 20Cs (and sometimes even high 30Cs during heatwaves). They all offer the classics; beautiful beaches, swim-friendly waters, heaps of bustling resorts and epic nightlife.

Italy: If you're looking to tick the colourful villages in the Amalfi coast off the list, September offers 20-28C weather that's ideal for wandering around, not to mention you'll miss the peak summer crowds. Meanwhile the island of Sardinia with its Maldives-worthy sandy beaches has average temperatures of 27C so it's still warm enough to have a dip in the sea.

Spain: Popular hotspots including Costa del Sol and Costa Dorada still enjoy average temperatures of 27C in the daytime, and down to around 18C in the evenings. Basically, ideal weather for lazing on the beach, wandering along the promenade or having an al fresco dinner if you don't want to miss out on those ocean views.

Croatia: Croatian cities from Dubrovnik to Split have average temperatures of 25C with sunny weather, so you can easily spend some time wandering through the historic streets and visiting attractions without having to fight against summer heat. Meanwhile it's still warm enough to enjoy the beaches, or swim in the sea on a boat tour if you're thinking of island hopping.

Cyprus: October is warm enough for beach days but without the summer crowds, especially in popular spots such as Paphos and Limassol. Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa is frequently cited as a top beach choice for its vibrant atmosphere and shallow turquoise waters, while Fig Tree Bay in Protaras is recommended for families due to its calm, shallow waters.

The Canary Islands: These offer year-round sunshine and in October you can still enjoy daily temperatures of up to 27C; perfect for enjoying the beaches, eating al fresco, and going for a scenic hike along the volcanic landscapes. Plenty of hotels and restaurants are still open even if the season has started to wind down, so you won't get the party crowds but you'll still get plenty of atmosphere.

Australia: As the winter creeps in, long-haul is once again to be your best bet for hot weather, and Australia is up there as a destination that's far from the UK! The sheer size of the island means you can get differing temperatures depending on where you go, but hotspots in the south including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth is where you'll find sunnier weather. A word of caution; November can be the start of rainy season is some northern parts of Australia, so swerve those if it's sunshine you're after.

Cambodia: The country enters its dry season in November and offers hot weather with temperatures ranging from 30-32C, which is ideal if you want to laze on one of its incredible beaches. For something truly spectacular, leave time on the itinerary to go and explore the Angkor Wat temple complex; although you may want to head early in the morning when it's a little cooler and quieter.

Thailand: Monsoon season tends to end in October, so by December you're more likely to have the hot and sunny winter weather that makes this country so popular with Brits. Similar to February, the temperatures are warm and ideal for sightseeing or lazing on a beach.

Florida: Want to make the most of the theme parks and beaches without having to deal with the holiday crowds? December can be an excellent time to visit, not to mention there are plenty of cruises that depart from Florida, so it can be a great base from which to also sail to the likes of the Caribbean!

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